Unseen to unbreakable by John Henry - HTML preview

Step 6: Ease of Being Around Each Other

The best relationships don’t feel forced. They flow naturally. You’re not constantly trying to impress, or worrying about what to say. There’s a relaxed, natural rhythm to the time you spend together. That’s what I’ve found with Arayana. It’s not always about doing something extraordinary together, but about the ease we have in each other’s company.

If every moment feels like you’re walking on eggshells or pretending to be someone you’re not, then the relationship might be more fragile than you think. Strong relationships are comfortable and genuine, with no need to perform.

Step 7: Willingness to Fight for Each Other

In any relationship, there will be tough times. But the most important thing is whether both people are willing to fight for the relationship. Are you willing to work through disagreements, misunderstandings, and struggles? In my relationship with Arayana, we’ve had our disagreements, but we’ve never given up on each other. We’ve worked through the challenges, understanding that a strong bond requires both effort and commitment.

If you or the other person is quick to give up or walk away when things get hard, then the bond may not be as strong as it should be.

Step 8: No Comparison to Others

Real relationships don’t need to be compared to others. In a healthy bond, what you have together is unique and doesn’t need validation from anyone else. It’s not about whether your connection is better or worse than someone else’s; it’s about what you share. With Arayana, we’ve never compared our bond to anyone else’s. What we have is uniquely ours, and that’s all that matters.

If you’re constantly comparing your relationship to others, you may be overlooking the beauty of what you already have. Real connections stand on their own, without needing to measure up to anyone else’s experiences.

Step 9: Ability to Forgive and Move On

In every bond, there will be mistakes. No one is perfect. What sets a strong bond apart is the ability to forgive and move forward without holding grudges. In my relationship with Arayana, there have been moments where we’ve hurt each other, but we’ve always been able to forgive. We learn from the experience and keep growing, both individually and as a pair.

If you’re holding onto past mistakes, or if your relationship is full of unresolved conflicts, it might be time to re-evaluate. A real bond isn’t stuck in the past; it’s moving forward, growing stronger with time.

Step 10: Encouragement to Be Better

A strong bond should inspire you to be the best version of yourself. It’s not about trying to change someone, but about encouraging growth. If you feel supported to pursue your dreams, passions, and goals, that’s a true sign that the relationship is healthy. Arayana has always encouraged me to grow, to step outside my comfort zone, and to pursue the things that matter most to me. And I do the same for her.

If your relationship doesn’t encourage personal growth or you feel stifled in some way, it’s possible that the bond is not as strong as it could be. True relationships help both people evolve into the best version of themselves.

Step 11: Shared Core Values and Goals

True relationships are grounded in shared values. It’s not about agreeing on everything, but it’s about having the same foundational beliefs. In my relationship with Arayana, we share values that guide us in the same direction. These shared values provide a sense of purpose and connection.

If your relationship doesn’t align with your core values, or if you find yourself constantly compromising on what you believe in, it might be time to reconsider the connection. Strong bonds are built on mutual respect for each other’s beliefs and goals.

Step 12: Encouraging Independence

Strong relationships don’t stifle independence. They allow each person to grow and thrive as individuals while still maintaining the bond. In my connection with Arayana, we encourage each other to be independent, pursue our own interests, and build our own lives.

If you find that you or the other person is becoming overly dependent or possessive, it could signal an unhealthy relationship. True bonds support independence while nurturing connection.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Can I be myself without fear of judgment?
2. Do we support each other, even during tough times?
3. Can I sit in silence with this person and feel at peace?
4. Do I feel comfortable being vulnerable without fear of being judged?
5. Do I feel respected in this relationship, with boundaries being honored?
6. Do we encourage each other’s growth, both personally and within the relationship?
7. Can we forgive and move forward after disagreements or mistakes?
8. Does this bond make me feel complete and whole, or does it drain me?
9. Does this relationship inspire me to be a better version of myself?
10. Are we both willing to fight for the relationship, even when things get tough?

If You Are in a Real, Strong Bond, Relationship, or Friendship:

First of all, I want to congratulate you. You’ve found something rare and precious—something worth protecting and nurturing. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing you’re in a real, strong relationship, whether it's a friendship or something deeper. It’s an achievement to be in a bond that lifts you up, supports you, and encourages you to be the best version of yourself. But with this comes the responsibility of nurturing what you have.

Relationships, whether platonic or romantic, are always evolving. Time will test them, life will challenge them, but if you’ve found a real bond, you are more than equipped to handle those challenges. This is the kind of connection that can weather any storm. So, here are a few things to remember as you continue your journey with the person who means so much to you:

1. Keep Prioritizing Communication

Even though silence is a sign of comfort in a true connection, don’t let it be a reason for you to become complacent in communication. Even in a strong bond, it's important to always express your feelings, whether they're positive or negative. Don’t let misunderstandings or assumptions cloud your connection. Continue to openly share your thoughts, dreams, frustrations, and ideas. Make sure to listen just as much as you speak. A relationship thrives on the openness and honesty between two people, and this requires consistent effort from both parties.

I’ve found that being open with Arayana, even when it’s difficult, has deepened our bond. The moments where we’ve had to have tough conversations or be vulnerable have been the moments that strengthened us. Don’t be afraid to speak up—communication is the bridge that connects hearts, and without it, any relationship can begin to erode.